Boat radio speaker amplifier and protector



Nov. 27, 1962 T. R. BAILEY BOAT RADIO SPEAKER AMPLIFIER AND PROTECTOR Filed May 24, 1961 IFIErl United This invention relates to a device for use particularly on boats, usually smaller type boats, for amplifying and protecting against water a radio loud-speaker. A primary advantage of the invention resides in a compact water shielding cover for a loud speaker wherein such protection against damage by water is had, and at the same time, peculiarly, there is an amplification of the output of the speaker. A further advantage lies in the fact that the device is inconspicuous and occupies but very small space, so that the loud-speaker may be mounted in a prominent position to be directed either vertically or-horizontally. Ot" course there is involved in the advantages the fact that the device may be made at an extremely low cost and may be very readily installed.

These and many other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those versed in the art as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which FIG. 1 is a view in central vertical section of an installation of the structure embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is a central section through a structure wherein the device is mounted on a vertically disposed wall; and

FIG. 3 is a view in front plan and partial section of the structure illustrated in FIG. 2.

Assuming that the device is to be mounted on a horizontally disposed deck portion such as forwardly of a windshield, an opening 1t) is provided in the deck 11 at the spot selected, and then over this opening is placed an upwardly extending cylindrical tube 12 open at both the top and bottom ends. A cap 13 is telescoped over the upper end of the tube 12 and in spaced relation wherein the tube 13 terminates by a skirt end 14 at the lower end, and extends upwardly above the upper end 15 of the tube 12 where the cap 13 is closed off by a top 16. The cap 13 is held in xed position relative to the tube 12 by any suitable means, herein shown as by tongues 1`7 bent outwardly from the tube end 15 and secured inwardly of the cap 13. In this construction there is an opening through the deck 11, the opening 10, and the tube 12 opening in turn under the cover 16, and then this passageway as deiined continues around down the outer side of the tube 12 t-o open out above the deck 11.

The loud-speaker 18 is brought up against the deck 11 from the under side, and secured thereto by any suitable means, herein shown as by bolt 19 passing through a portion of the speaker 18, the deck 11, and a liange 20 of the lower end of the tube 12.

In operation, assuming that the boat is in a rainstorm, or is subjected to waves splashing over the deck 11, water will not enter the tube 12 and ow into the speaker 18 by reason of the cap 13 covering over, in spaced relation, the upper end 15 of the tube 12. As above indicated, there is a peculiar discovery here in that contrary to what might be expected, there is no mutlling of the sound issuing from the speaker 18 through the tube and cap, but to the contrary there is a very decided amplication giving a much louder aural effect from the speaker 18 than is had should the tube 12 and cap 13 be removed. Thus it is that two objects are accomplished, namely that the speaker 18 is preserved against damage by Water and the output of the speaker 18 is greatly amplied not electrically, but by passing through these two tubes arranged as described.

In the event that it is desirable or even necessary to mount the speaker 18 on a vertically disposed wall or panel 21, FIG. 2, this may be readily done by employing the same structure as defined in reference to FIG. 1 wherein there is the cap 13 held in xed relation, telescoped over the tube 12. However since these two elements are disposed axially horizontally, water could splash in from the top particularly around the tube 12 and enter therein by splashing against the cover end 16 of the cap 13. In order to avoid that action, an additional cup 22 is concentrically mounted on the panel 21 around the cap 13, to extend by an outer end 23 at a spaced distance from the cap 13, all as indicated in FiG, 2. The outer end 23 of the cup 22 is perforated by means of a plurality of holes 24 so that sound may issue from internally of the cup 22 from the speaker 18 after that sound has traversed the inner tube 12 and the cover 13. What little water may enter inside of the cup 22 through these perforations 2d, is inconsequential and is not in direct line of ilow to enter the tube 12. Any Water that might enter the cup 22 drains therefrom through the lower drain hole 25 adjacent the panel 21. It does not hinder the amplification of sound from the speaker 18 by employing the cup 22, although it is seen that the cup 22 does not further amplify the sound over and above that traversing the tube 12 and cover 13.

While I have herein shown and described my invention in the one particular form, it is obvious that structural changes may be employed without departing from the spirit of the invention, except as may he limited by the requirements of the following claim.

I claim:

A mounting for a loud-speaker subjected to possible water damage comprising a base member having a hole therethrough over which hold said speaker is mounted in iixed position; a tube open at both ends and carried by said member concentrically of said hole; and a cover over that end of said tube removed from said member; said cover comprising a second tube concentrically surrounding in spaced relation from and along said rst tube to terminate by an end spaced from said member; said second tube extending axially beyond said irst tube removed end; a cover sealed over the second tube extending end; means carrying said second tube by said first tube; a cup positioned on said base member, over concentrically of and in spaced relation from said second tube, said cup having a perforated end extending in spaced relation from and across said second tube cover; and said cup have a drain hole through the side thereof adjacent said base member.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,141,423 Tolerton Dec. 27, 1938 2,588,086 Cole Mar. 4, 1952 2,689,543 Lemmon Sept. 21, 1954 2,721,619 Cheairs Oct. 25, 1955 2,806,419 Artis Sept. 17, 1957 

